Lynn Faces
★★★☆☆ Original
Summerhall (Venue 26): Thu 1 – Mon 26 Aug 2024
Review by Hugh Simpson
Lynn Faces at Summerhall is the antidote to gig theatre. Laura Horton’s new play, co-commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, Norwich Theatre and Theatre Royal Plymouth, is a portrait of toxic relationships and real friendship with (intentionally) appalling music.
In the aftermath of a break-up, Leah (Madeleine MacMahon) decides to form a ‘concept punk band’ based around the character of Lynn Benfield, Alan Partridge’s long-suffering PA – she of the infinite patience, ‘snazzy cardigans’ and the face of disgust referenced in the title.
Lynn Faces. Pic: Flavia FC
For a play, this is such a startlingly original idea that the production needs little else to succeed. And – despite some major drawbacks – it is a production with a lot to recommend it.
MacMahon is funny and touching as Leah, with the true controlling nature of her relationship with Pete revealed in stages. Her friends Ali (Peyvand Sadeghian) and Shona (Holly Kavanagh), providing moral support if nothing in the way of musical expertise, are also played with wit and comic timing. Horton’s writing is both funny and tactful when it comes to dealing with the serious issues.
Unfortunately, the staging of the play as the band’s debut gig does bring problems. Unplanned and largely unrehearsed, they are signally unprepared for public attention – especially as drummer Joy (played by Horton) hasn’t turned up on time.
deliberately bad
Portrayals of such ineptitude can be thoroughly entertaining. However, having a terrible band play a collection of deliberately bad songs (realised well by composer/ musical director Anna Wheatley) begins to lose its novelty after a while.
The direction of Jessica Daniels keeps things fresh, but the joke does still wear thin. The songs are funny in small doses, but they aren’t really enough to carry the narrative. This is better served by the personal interactions between the characters, with the writing here being sharp and beautifully played.
Megan Lucas’s lighting and video design, and El Theodorou’s sound, are perfectly designed to go wrong on cue. Having videos that you can’t see properly, however, is still annoying even when it’s deliberate.
Despite the drawbacks, this is an endearing and original idea that has serious issues at its heart.
Running time: One hour (no interval)
Summerhall (Main Hall), 1 Summerhall, EH9 1PL (Venue 26)
Thursday 1 – Monday 26 August 2024
Daily (not 12, 19) at 7.35 pm
Details and tickets at: Book here
Instagram: @lynn_faces
X: @LauraCHorton
ENDS
